someday I will figure out how to use the search function effectively!


I have the original stock springs to my 1948 Ford F1. The front has 8 leafs and 1 caster shim. The back has 10 leafs with the drivers side smallest leaf being broken. I plan on taking these to a spring shop to install new bushings, ubolts, and center pins when finished. I assume they have some sag after all of these years. I only plan on making this a once in awhile driver, very rarely if ever hauling anything. I want it to be lowered, but I certainly don't want to hit speedbumbs and mow weeds, just a good looking low.


1. I have seen people say take out every other leaf, and some saying take the bottom leafs out then every other. What has been the most effective?


2. I was planning on taking these apart and getting them sand blasted back to shiny new. Do I primer and paint all surfaces, just primer, just paint, or leave bare?


3. I looked at installing the poly tip inserts, but drilling sounds tough, and my local steel guy said punching is not an option. Any opinions on the effectiveness of these inserts? Any tips besides carbide/cobalt bits and going super slow?


4. Would it be better to run the axle over the spring, or leave it where it is?


Thanks again for this boards help. Now that I have things apart, I can't wait to start putting it back together!

 

I took out every other one, primed and painted, installed Teflon liner between the springs and left axle under springs. I think if you put axle over springs, you will have to notch frame.

 

For all the time and money you'll spend dinking around with the old springs, you'd be better served to buy new, lowered springs, like these. All the new bushings are preinstalled, and front ubolts are included. Install and go.

POSIES Rods and Customs ? Super Slide Springs ? Street Rod Parts ? Hot Rod Parts ? Truck Parts ? Ford and Chevy Suspensions and Chassis Parts » 1952 Ford F100 Front Dual Flex Installation Article

http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/...ured_products/

 

I was actually looking at new monoleaf springs as your response came thru. Lowering front and back for $750-$1000 in new springs sounds pricey, but I bet the ride is a hell of a lot better. I am nervous to spend that kind of money on a truck that will only get 2000 miles a year! haha

 

Personally, I wouldn't do monoleafs. The ride is more harsh than multileafs, and if there's a failure, the consequences are a lot more catastrophic with monos than if you have a back up leaf.

I have a set of Posie's waiting on the shelf for my truck build. The $700 is pretty cheap, to me, for the peace of mind of having new springs that do what they're designed to do. Messing with old, brittle stuff that who knows how hard they've been abused for 60 years, then taken apart and modified works sometimes, and sometimes not.